Recalling the trip, Mr. Gallagher said: “The weather overall was terrible. We had a lot of wind in our face and flow against us. Lough Derg and Lough Ree were quite up against us. We had a lot of rough water paddling across them with all the gear in the boat as well.”

Despite the challenges, they achieved their goal.

“We’ve paddled the length of the Shannon. We paddled even up as a far as Keshcarrigan and we pulled out there,” he added..

They also met some new friends.

“Stopping was the hardest part because there were so many great people. It was definitely a tough battle and the arms and everything are a wee bit sore.”